Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1857 Pence Issue (Scott #1-9)

  

   Newfoundland issued its first stamps, the "Pence" Issue,  in 1857 (Scott #1-9). These pictured the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock, representing the union of England, Scotland, and Ireland, a fitting symbol since many of the early immigrants to the colony were of Scottish or Irish descent, and wished to discard archaic hatreds as they made their way in the New World. The set includes the first triangular stamp issued in the Americas, the 3p Green (Scott #3).


   All of the stamps of this issue are scarce to rare, and worthy of consideration as investments. Five of the stamps (Scott #2, 4, 6, 7, and 9) are somewhat pricey, and the best way to purchase them is probably as used VF-appearing seconds with minor faults such as shallow thins or unobtrusive creases, if such can be had for 10% to 15% of catalog value. Should there be any doubt as to authenticity, insist on making the purchase conditional on obtaining expertization. There are some fairly convincing forgeries of this issue, especially by Sperati.

   I've listed these stamps, along with printing quantities and Scott '14 values for unused and used, below:

• 1857 1p Brown (Scott #1: 70,000 issued; $120.-  for unused; $ 200.-   for used)
• 1857 2p Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #2: 3,000; $ 17,500.-  for unused; $ 5,500.- for used)
• 1857 3p Green (Scott #3: 16,000; $475.-  for unused; $ 475.- for used)
• 1857 4p Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #4: 5,000; $11,500.-  for unused; $ 3,750.- for used)
• 1857 5p Brown Violet (Scott #5: 11,000; $ 300.-  for unused; $ 375.-  for used)
• 1857 6p Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #6: 5,000; $ 22,500.-  for unused; $ 4,750.-  for used)
• 1857 6 1/2p Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #7: 2,000; $ 4,500.-  for  unused; $3,750.-  for used)
• 1857 8p Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #8: 8,000; $ 450.- for unused; $ 475.-  for used)
• 1857 1sh Scarlet Vermilion (Scott #9: 2,000; $ 45,000.- for unused; $ 10,000.- for used)

  Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

  With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged just over 1% over the past five years, which takes into account the decline of 2.9% in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

  Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are encouraged to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.    

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1933 Balbo Flight Surcharge (Scott #C18)

Newfoundland issued several overprinted airmail stamps that served as postage on pioneer flights, which are of great interest to Aviation topicalists,  and include some of the great rarities of Aviation Philately. The rarities are unaffordable for the vast majority of collectors, but the lesser flight overprints are also quite scarce and worthy of consideration as investments.

In July of 1933, Newfoundland surcharged 8,000 of its 75c "Labrador, Land of Gold" airmails issued the month before for use on the Chicago to Rome Flight of General Italo Balbo.  Scott '13 prices the stamp unused at $325.00 ($500.-   for NH).

   I recommend purchase of the stamp in VF NH or LH condition, or used on a flight cover. The stamp is of interest to Aviation topicalists, and possibly also to collectors in Italy, as Balbo was a prominent Fascist and Mussolini's heir apparent. I'm unaware of any fake surcharges for this issue, but as with all valuable overprinted stamps, it might be prudent to obtain expertization as a condition of purchase.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in learning more about investing in stamps are encouraged to read the Philatelic Investment Guide ($5), available on Kindle, and accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1919 Trans-Atlantic Air Post Surcharge (Scott #C2)

Newfoundland issued several overprinted airmail stamps that served as postage on pioneer flights, which are of great interest to Aviation topicalists and include some of the great rarities of Aviation Philately. The rarities are unaffordable for the vast majority of collectors, but the lesser flight overprints are also quite scarce and worthy of consideration as investments.

In 1919, Newfoundland surcharged 6,786 15c Seal stamps (Scott #70) from its 1897 Pictorial series, increasing the stamp's value to $1. The stamp (Scott #C2) was used on covers which were carried on the first successful non-stop trans-Atlantic flight. Scott ' 13 prices the unused stamp at $225.00  ($375.-  for NH).

    As with many overprinted stamps, varieties were produced, including one without comma after "Post" (pictured; Scott C2a- CV = $240.- , 2,796 issued), and a much scarcer stamp without the period after "Dollar" (Scott C2b- CV= $ 450.- , 398 issued). I recommend purchase of any of these stamps in VF NH or LH condition, or on a Flight cover. C2b probably offers the most bang for the buck as an investment, given its current scarcity and market value. As with all valuable overprinted stamps, expertization is strongly recommended.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, as is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1932 Dornier Flight Surcharge (Scott #C12)

  Newfoundland issued several overprinted airmail stamps that served as postage on pioneer flights, which are of great interest to Aviation topicalists  and include some of the great rarities of Aviation Philately. The rarities are unaffordable for the vast majority of collectors, but the lesser flight overprints are also quite scarce and worthy of consideration as investments.

In 1932, Newfoundland issued a $1.50 airmail stamp for use on the Trans-Atlantic Dornier Flight (Scott #C12) by surcharging 7,980 of its 1931 $1 Airmail Stamp (C11). Scott '13 prices the unused stamp at $ 275.00  ($425.-  for NH). I recommend purchase of the stamp in VF NH or LH condition, or on a Flight cover.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in viewing a list of scarce stamps with printing quantities of 100,000 or fewer should take a look at the StampSelector Scarce Stamp Quantities Issued List, which currently contains over 9,700 entries. 

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1919 Caribou Issue (Scott #115-26)

In 1919, Newfoundland issued a set of twelve stamps (Scott #115-26) honoring the 1,204 Newfoundlanders who died in World War I. Each stamp pictures Newfoundland's Official Animal, the Caribou, and notes a famous battleground of that pointless war. 48,400 sets were issued, and Scott '12 prices the unused set at $264.25 ($425.00 for NH) .

Aside from being an undervalued B.N.A. issue, the Caribou Issue has the added appeal of being an Animal Topical set.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in learning about investing in stamps should read the Guide to Philatelic Investing ($5), available on Kindle and easily accessible from any computer.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1911 Royal Family Issue (Scott #104-14)

In 1911, Newfoundland issued a set of eleven stamps portraying members of the British Royal Family (Scott #104-14). 20,000 were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $285.- ($500.- for NH).

Aside from being an undervalued B.N.A. issue, it has the added appeal of being the quintessential Royal Family topical set. As a popular topic for British Commonwealth collectors, it's hard to beat the Royal Family, with a stick, sceptre, or other appropriately heavy object, and banking on such loyalty can pay interest.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1923-24 Tourism Issue (Scott #131-44)

In 1923-24, Newfoundland issued a handsome engraved Tourism set showcasing the colony's natural beauty (Scott #131-44). Only 25,000 sets were issued, and Scott '11 prices the unused set at $162.05 ($250.- for NH). In all probability, many of these stamps were used as postage and discarded.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S..


With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in becoming part of an international community of stamp collectors, dealers, and investors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group hosts lively discussions concerning stamp investment and practical aspects of collecting, and is also an excellent venue for those who wish to buy, sell, or trade stamps.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1897 Surcharges (Scott #75-77)

At the beginning of 1897, Newfoundland's Colonial Secretary Robert Bond decided to issue a long set of stamps (from 1c to 60c) to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Newfoundland by John Cabot. One stamp would be dedicated to Queen Victoria while the others promoted Newfoundland. Bond sensed a potential for increased revenue for the post office, with the U.S. Columbians and Canadian Silver Jubilee sets as models.

What seemed like a good plan became a disaster. The public ate up the 1¢ and 2¢ low values but eschewed the higher values. One could still buy the 60¢ at the post office in St. John’s as late as 1936. By September, the two low values were almost exhausted. The 1¢ was needed for drop mail, circulars, and other 3rd class use. With the plates gone, and few older 1¢ stamps to be found, Newfoundland had its first postal crisis. New 1¢ and 2¢ values were ordered but they would not arrive until early December and a fix was needed by mid-October.

As a solution, just under 40,000 of the 1890 3c Victoria stamps were locally surcharged "ONE CENT." Three different fonts were used, however, creating three different surcharged stamps. 32,000 of the most common stamp (Scott #75- Gothic letters), along with 5,600 of #76 (Sans-serif), and 1,600 of #77 (flat and sans-serif). Scott '11 prices the unused stamps at $60.- ,$225.- , and $750.- (slightly more than double for NH) , respectively. All three surcharges were used on each sheet, so blocks of four containing two #75s, a #76, and a #77 exist. These blocks of four are considered highly desirable.

I recommend purchase of these stamps, especially the two scarcer ones and the block. I believe that #76 and 77 have been neglected because they are surcharge varieties- after all, who cares about surcharge varieties except for anal retentive specialists? This attitude tends to diminish as demand for a particular country's stamps develops. As with all surcharges, I advise purchasing them conditional on obtaining expertization. Note that poor centering is typical for this issue, so attempt to purchase examples that are centered F-VF or better.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .


With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1896 1/2c Orange Red (Scott #57)

Between 1887 and 1896, Newfoundland issued three half cent stamps picturing Newfoundland Dogs (Scott #56-58) in Rose Red, Orange Red, and Black. The scarcest of the three is #57, printed in Orange Red, of which only 20,000 were issued. Scott '11 prices it at at $ 75.00 for unused and $45.- for used.


Aside from being yet another example of an undervalued B.N.A. issue, I like this stamp because it's a Dog Topical. In fact, the Newfoundland Dog stamps were the first stamps picturing dogs ever issued. Animals are the most popular stamp collecting topic in the world, and since pet ownership is growing, especially in the emerging market nations, I think that Dog and Cat topicals will become more popular as well. A recent article about pet ownership in China cited research showing that the percentage of Chinese owning dogs increased by 40% from 1999 to 2004 (from 5% to 7%). It seems reasonable to assume that as the middle class grows in developing countries, more people will be able to afford keeping a pet, and therefore more stamp collectors will collect dog and cat topicals.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1861 5d Reddish Brown (Scott #19)

In 1861, Newfoundland issued a 5 pence Reddish Brown stamp picturing the Crown and Heraldic Flowers of the United Kingdom (Scott #19). Only 10,000 were issued, and Scott prices it unused at $ 62.50.

Many of the better stamps of Newfoundland, including the early imperforates, were issued in modest quantities. I intend to revisit them in the future, as I am "doggedly bullish" (to badly mix metaphors) about better British North America in general. This area is very popular among collectors of both Canada and British Commonwealth, and the better items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S. .

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Those interested in joining a community of stamp investors, dealers, and collectors are welcome to join the "Stampselectors" group at Facebook. The group provides a useful venue for those who wish to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and a forum for those who wish to discuss philatelic investing and practical aspects of stamp collecting.

Stamp Investment Tips: Newfoundland 1910 1c Guy Issue, "NFW" variety (Scott 87 var.)

A little over 2 months ago, I recommended purchase of Newfoundland's 1910 Guy Issue (Scott #87-97, 98-103). Focusing a little more closely on this issue, I am now tipping the stamp that is perhaps its most undervalued variety, the 1c "NFW" for "NEW" variety (formerly Scott 87d- the upper left stamp in the block pictured). Scott, in its infinite wisdom, elected to deprive this stamp of its catalog number, although it is still noted and priced in Scott's Classic Specialized Catalog. Unitrade, the Canadian specialized catalog, still lists the stamp.



50,000 of the normal 1c stamp (Scott #87) were printed in sheets of 100, of which one stamp per sheet had the "NFW" variety. In other words, only 500 "NFW" varieties were originally issued, back in 1910. Nice LH and even NH examples can sometimes be found for $50 to $150, and the stamp is even occasionally available in blocks of 4 with the normal 1c stamps. I feel that this stamp is grossly undervalued, partly because of Scott's treatment of it, a temporary case of the "tail wagging the dog." Stamps of Newfoundland and the other former British colonies of British North America are very popular among both Canada and British Commonwealth collectors.

With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.

Stamp Investment Tip: Newfoundland 1910-11 Guy Issues (Scott #87-97,98-103)

In 1910, Newfoundland issued a handsome lithographed set of 12 stamps commemorating the tercentenary of its colonization by John Guy (Scott #89-97). Six of the stamps were re-issued as an engraved set in 1911 (Scott #98-103). 10,000 of each set were issued, and Scott '10 prices #87-97 unused at $ 487.30 ($ 950.00 NH), and #98-103 unused at $ 412.50 ($ 750.00 NH).


I recommend both sets in VF NH, LH, or Used condition. Stamps of Newfoundland (and British North America in general) are popular among collectors of Canada and British Commonwealth. Better B.N.A. items represent solid investments, as interest in stamp collecting in Canada is much stronger than it is in the U.S.


With a population of about 31 million, Canada is one of the world's wealthiest countries, and is one of the world's top ten trading nations. GDP growth has averaged 2.2% over the past five years, which takes into account the 0% growth of 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Canada's population is expected to age significantly over the next decades. Canadians over 60 are projected to increase from 16.7% of the population in 2000 to 27.9% in 2025, and 30.5% in 2050. Consequently, in the future, many more Canadians will be spending time working on their stamp collections on cold winter days.